Generations at Risk presents compelling evidence that human exposure to some toxic chemicals can have lifelong and even intergenerational effects on human reproduction and development. The result of a collaboration involving public health professionals, physicians, environmental educators, and policy advocates, this book examines how scientific, social, economic, and political systems may fail to protect us from environmental and occupational toxicants. It is an important sourcebook for those concerned about their own health and that of their loved ones, as well as for medical and public health workers, community activists, policymakers, and industrial decision makers.

Humans and ecosystems in the United States are subject to potential exposure to more than 75,000 synthetic chemicals, most of which are poorly tested or untested for human health effects. The authors focus on classes of chemicals that people may be exposed to at work, at home, and in their communities. These include toxic metals, organic solvents, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors. In addition to providing scientific information with which to assess the health risks of many chemicals, the book provides a guide to the current regulatory system and resources for action.

Learning, behavioral and developmental disabilities including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism prevent our children from reaching their full human potential. Seventeen percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with one or more developmental disabilities. These disorders have widespread societal implications, from health and education costs to the repercussions of criminal behavior. Though trends are difficult to establish with certainty, there is a growing consensus that learning and behavioral disorders are increasing in frequency.

These disabilities are clearly the result of complex interactions among genetic, environmental, and social factors that impact children during vulnerable periods of development. Research demonstrates that pervasive toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, solvents, and others, can contribute to neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders. Human exposure to neurotoxic substances is widespread. A review of the top twenty chemicals reported released under the 2000 Toxics Release Inventory reveals that nearly half are known or suspected neurotoxicants. Over 2 billion pounds of these neurotoxic chemicals were released on-site by facilities into the air, land or water. As our knowledge about these neurotoxic chemicals has increased, the "safe" threshold of exposure has been continuously revised downward. Toxic exposures deserve special scrutiny because they are preventable causes of harm.

In 1998, Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility launched the project In Harm's Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development to address this important issue. In May of 2000, GBPSR released the 140-page peer-reviewed report In Harm's Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development. It has been praised by the public and the scientific community.